Escalating Tensions: Israel Prepares for Gaza City Offensive

For over a year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised an imminent Israeli victory, and he now indicates that the military needs to advance again into Gaza City, which he calls Hamas's "last real stronghold." This potential escalation comes amid growing international criticism and internal fissures within Israel itself.

"Eliminating Hamas": An Achievable Goal?

Netanyahu believes that an attack on Gaza City, the largest city in the Strip, will ultimately destroy Hamas as a military and governing force. However, analysts argue that this goal is unrealistic, with Amos Harel, a defense analyst at Haaretz, pointing out that there will be no specific moment when Hamas can be declared defeated.

Military Mobilization Amid Internal Opposition

Despite internal opposition, the Israeli military has begun mobilizing 60,000 reserve soldiers to secure other fronts and support the anticipated offensive. This number is expected to double by the end of the year. This mobilization is accompanied by an escalation in airstrikes and shelling, as well as the advance of Israeli forces into the suburbs of Gaza City, with residents being directed to evacuate the area.

Pressure on Hamas or Escalation of Conflict?

Some Israeli officials believe that this military buildup is aimed at pressuring Hamas to agree to Netanyahu's "maximalist" terms for ending the war, which include the surrender and disarmament of the movement and the release of all remaining prisoners. However, with growing doubts about Hamas's willingness to agree to these terms, the prospect of a full-scale invasion is increasing.

A Complex Battle in an Urban Environment

Once the order is given, military analysts expect Israeli forces to face fierce resistance in Gaza City, where Hamas fighters are expected to use guerrilla warfare tactics, including snipers, rocket-propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices. Despite assurances from the Israeli military that most of Hamas's organized combat formations have been destroyed, the movement remains capable of reorganizing its ranks.

Humanitarian Repercussions and Risk to Hostages

Hamas military wing spokesman Abu Obeida warned that the imminent offensive would directly endanger the lives of the hostages. In addition, the potential attack raises concerns about a humanitarian disaster, as the city is home to about one million people, many of whom have already been displaced several times from other areas of the Strip. The area is already facing a severe shortage of food and humanitarian aid.

Fears of Ethnic Cleansing and Deteriorating International Relations

Many Palestinians believe that Israel's ultimate goal in Gaza is not so much about Hamas as it is about a broader plan supported by Netanyahu's far-right allies: forcing Gaza residents to move south before a complete withdrawal from the Strip, which human rights organizations consider tantamount to ethnic cleansing. With global condemnation of Israel escalating, the imminent offensive will further deteriorate the country's standing on the international stage.

Will Military Pressure Succeed?

Despite the support of former US President Donald Trump for the operation, few in Israel believe that the invasion of Gaza will lead to Hamas's surrender. Analysts believe that even after the end of this operation, which will take months, Hamas will still be able to operate from within the Strip.